Solartopia—Build a solar utopia

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<SOLARTOPIA: BUILD A SOLAR UTOPIA> MFA THESIS PROJECT

MFA THESIS PROJECT ZHEN JIMMY LI \\\\\ ZHEN JIMMY LI \\\\\



M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T


S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

ZHEN JIMMY LI


M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

Our mission is to clear up any uncertainty on solar power and encourage more people to go solar.


ZHEN JIMMY LI

Contents

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that.”

—Thomas Edison


M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

01 The Issue 02 Research

03 Development

04 Visual Guidelines

05 Deliverables

a. Background

01

b. Problem

08

a. Ideation

12

b. Survey, Interview & Event

20

c. Insights

32

d. Audience & Stakeholders

36

e. Strategies

44

f. Timeline

46

a. Logo Exploration

48

b. Thesis Video

54

c. Thesis Website

62

a. The Book

66

b. Identity

72

c. Type Choices

84

d. Color Source

88

e. Color palette

90

f. Photo Style

92

g. Graphic Elements

96

a. Grids

98

b. Stationery Set

102

c. Event

104

d. Brand Posters

112

e. Event Posters

114

f. Advertising

116

g. T-shirts

118

h. Mobile App

1 22

i. Catalog

134

j. Brand Website

136

k. Product Design

138

l. Retail Setting

140

M. Packaging

1 42


<01> THE ISSUE

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

ZHEN JIMMY LI


M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

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ZHEN JIMMY LI

A. BACKGROUND

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

Global Warming

1850

1900

World Greenhouse Gas Emissions

1950

2000


M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

If we take all this actions and if it turns out not be true, we have reduced pollution and have better ways to live, the downside is very small. The other way around, and we don’t act, and it turns out to be true, then we have betrayed future generations and we don’t have the right to do that.”

—Tony Blair, Former British Prime Minister

2020

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A. BACKGROUND

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

Alternative Fuels

>> >> >> >> >> >> >>

Tidal Power Wind Power Hydroelectricity Geothermal Biomass Compressed Natural Gas Nuclear

None of these power sources is ideal. Some can not work steadily. A few are going to exhaust soon. Some of them has technical issues. Some are hazardous. In short, they are not sustainable enough, While solar power is abundant and free.

ZHEN JIMMY LI


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Energy Reserves (Billion Tonnes Oil Equivalent) 900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

2011

2021

2031

*ecotricity.co.uk

2041

2051

2061

2071

2081

2091


ZHEN JIMMY LI

A. BACKGROUND

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

Energy Dependence Being politically independent for more than 200 years, the American industry is still heavily depending on foreign oil.

Consumption

Production

1970

U.S. Oil Consumption and Production


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Western Hemisphere

53%

Other

3%

Africa

16%

Persian Gulf

28%

Other

7% 3% 9% 65%

U.S. oil imports

2012

Africa Europe

Persian Gulf

U.S. oil imports

2015 2025

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

Western Hemisphere

65%


B. PROBLEM

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

ZHEN JIMMY LI


M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

Solar energy is free and abundant. Yet only 1.5% of total electricity is generated by solar in the U.S., ranked 4th in the world behind China Germany, and Japan as of Dec 2015. What if the 1.4 Million household in the U.S. all go solar?

*US Energy Information Administration, Table 1.1. A . Net Generation by Other Renewable Sources: Total (All Sectors), 2003-July 2013, Table 1.1. Net Generation by Energy Source: Total (All Sectors), 2003-Dec2013, accessed 1. Dec 2015.

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ZHEN JIMMY LI

B. PROBLEM

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

ENERGY DEPENDENCE

People are unaware

People worry about

Regulatory hurdles

of the benefits of using

the down side of

impede solar progress

solar energy

the solar equipment


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ZHEN JIMMY LI

<02> RESEARCH

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

Why don’t people like solar? Why don’t they use it? What’s the problem? What do people worry about? How much does it really cost you to go solar? ...


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A. IDEATION

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

Mind Map

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A. IDEATION

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

ZHEN JIMMY LI


M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

Keywords

The keywords around solar energy are connected with the environment, economy and people. Our future depends on what we decide to do now.

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S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

ZHEN JIMMY LI

The earth, our home is deeply disturbed, if we don’t do anything now, it will be too late. There are ways to change the path of our future, they all require action now.


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B. SURVEY, INTERVIEW & EVENT

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

Survey Monkey questions

ZHEN JIMMY LI


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B. SURVEY, INTERVIEW & EVENT

S O L A R TO P I A : T H E S O L A R F U T U R E

ZHEN JIMMY LI

1. Do you own the house you

7. Has any of the solar sales

13. Are you aware of the

live in?

person approached you?

global warming?

Yes.

Yes.

Not too much.

2. Have you ever worried

8. Do you believe them?

about your utility bills?

No.

14. How concerned are you about the climate change?

Not really. 9. Why not?

“We don’t care that much.”

3. How aware are you of

A sales person is always

15. What do you think caused

solar energy technologies?

suspicious. Plus I don’t

the climate change?

Very aware.

understand what they say,

Cars

Slightly aware.

Not aware of.

too technical.

4. Have you considered

10. Who would convince you

to go solar?

going solar?

better?

Maybe 10 years later, when

A neighbor, a friend maybe.

everybody’s going?

16. What could convince you

Yes (go to question 5).

No

(go to question 6). 11. Where else could you 5. What stopped you from

get information about solar

really going solar?

power?

Upfront cost.

Don’t believe

it could save money.

Worry

The internet. But who would believe it?

about maintenance. 12. Would you like to have 6. Why not?

solar panels installed in your

The utility fee isn’t too much.

home if they are free?

Too much maintenance?

Yes, but is it really free?

Reliability?

Could it be too much trouble?


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Interview questions for non-solar homeowners


B. SURVEY, INTERVIEW & EVENT

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

Abel

ZHEN JIMMY LI

Rosa

Jason


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Interview questions for Solar homeowners 1. How did you become aware

tions about solar panels

of that month, the number

of solar panels as an option?

before buying them—for

was cut in half.

2008 when I first purchased

example: cost, reliability, etc.?

the house and I really wanted

All of them. I mean it was a

12. Now that you’ve installed

create a world I want to live in.

new thing, no one I knew had

solar panels, what recommen-

I started looking up online and

done it before.

dations or warnings would

gathering information from

you give others who are

different companies. Step by

8. What was the single

considering buying?

step I made it come true.

biggest hurdle for you to buy

Don’t hope that it could

and install them?

let you go totally energy

2. What convinced you to

The cost, they didn’t have so

independent, but it does help.

buy solar panels?

much incentives at that time,

It was the result of a series of

and the installation wasn’t free.

consultation and calculation.

13. In your opinion, what’s the single biggest hurdle for

9. During the installation

anyone who wants to install

3. Any ideological reasons?

process, did you interact

solar panels at home?

Of course. The whole idea

with the city permitting

Cost.

was based on the idea of

department at all, or just

zero fossil fuel. I wanted to

with your contractor?

14. In your opinion, what’s

create a home that pollute

Yes I had to purchase a permit

the most important

the world as little as possible.

which was 300 something

improvement governments

dollars, not too bad.

can make for solar customers?

4. Any financial reasons?

Incentives.

Well when I just bought the

10. After you booked a

house, on mortgage, reduce

contractor, how long did

15. In your view, what’s the

the utility fee was one of the

it take before you could

most important improvement

concerns, but not the main

actually generate electricity

solar contractors can make

reason of going solar.

from the solar panels?

for customers?

They came two weeks

Make the whole process

5. How long have you had

after I called to make an

simpler and easier to

the solar panels?

appointment. It took them

understand.

Since 2008.

two days to install and test everything. The generation

6. How does their perfor-

started the second day.

mance compare to your original expectations?

11. Once the installation

It had a few minor problems,

process began, did you have

but all solved. Didn’t cause

any pleasant or unpleasant

too much trouble. It is

surprises in terms of costs,

exactly as I expected.

delays, or other hassles? I was surprised when the first

7. Did you have any reserva-

power bill came in at the end


B. SURVEY, INTERVIEW & EVENT

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

The Hot Talk

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B. SURVEY, INTERVIEW & EVENT

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

ZHEN JIMMY LI

The Hot Talk

We are all flooded with bad news about the earth and its climate everyday. Droughts and floods happen everywhere, icebergs are melting and polar bears are starving. We were also shocked by the nuclear power plant disaster happened in Fukushima in 2011. But nothing seems to move forward very fast for alternative power sources. It needs to change!


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S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

ZHEN JIMMY LI


M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

Solar power is the most available power source on earth, yet it only makes up a shocking 0.56% of all power produced in North America. We want people to know that apart from being clean and efficient, it’s also powerful! It leads a better life and it’s the undoubted future.

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B. SURVEY, INTERVIEW & EVENT

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

The Report

ZHEN JIMMY LI


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C. INSIGHTS

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

ZHEN JIMMY LI

1. “It’s too good to be true!”

7. “Solar has a long way to go.”

People don’t believe in the benefits solar can

A lot of people still don’t think solar is

bring. They always ask me: does it really save

available for normal people, at least for now.

money? According to solar users, yes it does!

That’s caused by the solar gaps we are trying

Most people pay half as much they used to

to close.

do after they went solar. 2. People worry about the upfront cost of the equipment. The first thing people ask me when I start to talk about solar is: could it really be free? The answer is “yes”. A lot of companies are providing zero down plans. You get a lower utility bill every month, but you do have to pay a certain amount of payment. But to total expense lower than you were paying before.

3. “I don’t trust them.”

8. “73%.”

People have doubts about the technology

Since the implementation of the ITC in 2006,

in general, or about the salesmen. As many

the cost to install solar has dropped by

new forms of technology, it’s hard for

more than 73%. While residential costs have

ordinary folks to understand. The information

dropped by 45% since 2010, utility-scale

asymmetry is there, waiting for us to fix.

costs have dropped more significantly, with recent contracts at prices below $0.05/kWh.

4. “I’m creating the world I want to live in.” A lot of people go solar (the third biggest reason in the country) because of their ideological concerns. They believe solar power has environmental benefits, by going solar they are making the world a better place to live.

5. “Solar is the future.”

9. Solar helps fortune 500 Companies

This one is from Andrew Leosel, design director

save money.

at Enphase, a San Francisco based solar

Solar is not only for homeowners, data from

company. I believe it too. If a totally clean and

SEIA’s annual Solar Means Business report

abundant energy is not our future, what is?

show that major U.S. corporations, including Walmart, IKEA and Macy’s, are going solar at an incredible rate. The top 25 corporate solar users in America have installed more than 569 MW of capacity at 1,100 different facilities across the country as of August 2014.

6. “Solar is not that complicated.” I got this one from Jason, a Berkeley graduate tech guy. Basically, when light strikes the silicon crystals on the PV panels, it causes the photovoltaic effect, which generates Direct Current electricity (DC), then an inverter changes the DC into alternative current (AC), which our appliances could use, just that simple.


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13. “4.6 Million.” There are over 22,700 MW of cumulative solar electric capacity operating in the U.S., enough to power more than 4.6 million average American homes.

10. “A Brighter Future.”

16. “No battery.”

According to data from Brighter Future:

Nearly all modern solar panel systems are

A Study on Solar in U.S. Schools, a report

grid tied which means they’re connected to

published by the Solar Foundation with

the conventional electricity grid. Your system

support from SEIA, there are nearly 4,000

generates power during the day and excess

K-12 schools in the United States with active

is fed back into the grid through a system

solar systems, meaning more than 2.7 million

called net metering. When this happens,

American students attend solar schools.

your meter spins backwards and your utility company credits you for that power. At night or on overcast days, you’ll use grid power, but you don’t generally get charged for it because of all the credit you’ve generated. 14. “$500.” CA Senate Bill 1222. Under this bill, it’s illegal for cities and counties in California to charge more than $500 for residential solar permits unless they provide substantial evidence to support a higher cost. See the bill for precise definitions.

11. Solar Energy Is An Economic Engine. As the solar industry grows, so does its benefit to the economy. According to The Solar Foundation, there are now nearly 174,000 solar workers in the U.S., more than a 20% increase over employment totals in 2013. These workers are employed at 6,100

17. Solar up, value up.

businesses in every state. The increasing

For every $1,000 that has been saved in

value of projects has injected life into the U.S.

annual electric costs, your home’s value rises

economy as well. In 2013, solar installations

$20,000. (U.S. Department of Housing and

were valued at $13.7 billion, compared to

Urban Development).

$11.5 billion in 2012 and $8.6 billion in 2011. 15. When the power goes out, my home is still powered by solar. When the power goes out, grid-tied systems go out too. That’s because it’s not safe to be pushing electricity back out onto the wires while workers may be trying to fix the problem, so your inverter (the big box near your meter that turns DC electricity created by the panels into usable AC current) recognizes that the grid is out and shuts your system off.

12. California leads the National Solar

18. Pollution?

Capacity Ranking.

Most estimates for concentrating solar power

A plethora of sunny days combined with

range from 0.08 to 0.2 pounds of carbon

supportive solar policies have created an

dioxide equivalent per kilowatt-hour. In both

ideal solar market.

cases, this is far less than the life cycle emission rates for natural gas (0.6-2 lbs of CO2E/kWh) and coal (1.4-3.6 lbs of CO2E/kWh).


C. INSIGHTS

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

ZHEN JIMMY LI


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D. AUDIENCE & STAKEHOLDERS

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

ZHEN JIMMY LI

INSTALLER HOMEOWNER

BUSINESS OWNER

MANUFACTURE


ER

M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

FINANCIER

6 groups of people related to this topic were chosen for the research. Eventually only 30–60 years old homeowners were picked to be our audience. we believe By convincing them to go solar, we can make a huge difference. MARKETER

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D. AUDIENCE & STAKEHOLDERS

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

Audience’s Personal Customer Cards

ZHEN JIMMY LI


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D. AUDIENCE & STAKEHOLDERS

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

Promotional postcards

ZHEN JIMMY LI


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D. AUDIENCE & STAKEHOLDERS

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

Homeowners

ZHEN JIMMY LI


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ZHEN JIMMY LI

E. STRATEGIES

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

Strategies + Materials Matrix

Topic Area Solar Power

INSIGHTS

STRATEGIES

Outcome

Audience

Convince regular

Homeowners between

people to go solar

30—60 of age

People are unaware of

People worry about

Regulatory hurdles

the benefits of using

the down side of the

impede solar progress

solar energy

solar equipment

Sort out general

Provide economic

Advocate on behalf of

information about solar

choices of hardware

nascent solar industry.

power and make it

and related services.

available to people

DELIVERABLES

Solar-up! A consulting service that helps people go solar on every step. _ App (news, costs and

Solar Line

SolarSpot

A comprehensive line

A new non-profit

of solar products,

organization

instruction manuals

dedicated to

and guides.

gathering support to fight solar obstacles.

solar calculator, help center) _Website section

_Catalog _ Packaging

_Website

_ Marketing materials

_ Social media

_Website section _ Retail setting

promotions _ Event


M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

App with solar calculator

Website sections

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Social Media Promotions

Catalog Website section Website section

Posters / Billboards Packaging

Retail Setting Help Center

Event: Solar Spot


F. TIMELINE

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

ZHEN JIMMY LI

SPRING 2016 April

FALL 2016 May

June

GR.810 GR.612 GR.365

Intersession

July

GLA.676

August

September

October

GR.830 GR.604 WNM.613

Sum mer

Solarup! / Solarline Website Sections

Posters + Billboards

App with Sloar Calculator Packaging Chat room service

Catalog

Photography

Writing Draft

Refining

Solar-up!

Solar Line

Sort out useful information, make it accurate and available to people.

related services.

_A consulting service that helps people go solar on every step. _App (news, articles, costs and savings calculator) _Marketing materials _Website section _Ads / Billboards _Chat room service (scripts)

Provide economic choic

A comprehensive line o equipment, instruction _Catalog _Packaging _Marketing materials _Website section _Retail setting


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SPRING 2017 November

December

January

Intersession

Feburary

March

GR.850 GR.650

Retail Setting Event

Solarified Website

Social media promotions

User feedback

SolarSpot!

ces of hardware and

of solar gadgets and manuals and guides.

Advocate on behalf of nascent solar industry. A new none profit organization that dedicates to gather support to fight solar obstacles. _Website _Social media promotions _Event

April

May


ZHEN JIMMY LI

<03> DEVELOPMENT

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

There is a beautiful future in front of us, a future with blue water and clear skies, a future we can build with Solar energy. Solar is at an all time high in America right now, but to build a future on it, it still has a long way to go.


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A. LOGO EXPLORATION

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

ZHEN JIMMY LI


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A. LOGO EXPLORATION

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

ZHEN JIMMY LI


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B. THESIS VIDEO

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

ZHEN JIMMY LI


M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

Sketches + Story board

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S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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ZHEN JIMMY LI

B. THESIS VIDEO

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

The sun is rotates, the clouds are moving right.

Script

The sun moves up right, grass growing up. “The sun is the most abundant energy source, yet only...”

(Cheerful music all the way.)

GO SOLAR AMERICA! The number is deleted with keyboard noise and a new number is typed.

The number fades out and houses fade in. “There’re 124.6 million households in America...”

Texts out, sun in from the top. Clouds in from all directions and covers the sun.

Sun becomes the bottom of a thermometer

Promoting solar power for residential use is my thesis topic. I will make a video to introduce the benefits of going solar, clear some myths about solar energy, and call for

and the tube grows out. The mercury drops. (Whistling dropping sound) “Actually, solar panels work better in low temps...”

people to go solar.

Myth 3: Maintenance is hard. WNM613 Fall 16 Zhen Jimmy Li Final Proposal

Texts out, sun in from the top. Clouds in from all directions and covers the sun. “Actually, solar panels work better in low temps...”

The hand moves out from the left, text moves in from the right.

A w “


M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

Grass moves down and buildings rise up one

by one. “I want to build a utopia where fossil fuels are abandoned...” (Bending metal sound)

Windows turn into bolts and enlarge... “But only around 0.7% of all electricity is generated by solar in the U.S....”

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The first bolt enlarges and a number slides in. “But only around 0.7% of all electricity is generated by solar in the U.S....” (electricity surge sound)

Myth 1: Solar won’t work on cloudy days Houses turn red.

A question mark enlarges from the center.

“...Why don’t they all go solar?”

“Because there are rumors!”

The question mark slides to the left and new texts slide in from the right.

Myth 2: Solar is expensive. Tax incentive covers 85%.

Thermometer enlarges and becomes the bg. Texts move in.

Texts fades out, circle fades in, blue part grows to 85%, “ITC” fades in with text. “There is a tax incentive for solar users covers up to 85% of the expense...” (Whistling rising sound)

Net Metering.

Zero fades out and new graphics fade in. Doted lines moving to both sides. “...plus there is net metering which allows you to sell energy back to the power company.”

Nope...

A solar panel moves in from the right and a guy

with a running hose moves in from the left. “A hose off once in a while is fine...”

The panel rotates and becomes a sun. “I hope this effort could convince you that solar is worth trying...”

The sun enlarges and becomes the background, logo pops out. “..and let’s build this utopia together.”


S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

ZHEN JIMMY LI


M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

WATCH THE VIDEOS AT:

http://youtu.be/XGYgqIsx9-I http://youtu.be/S0ARC5xc1x8

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C. THESIS WEBSITE

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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C. THESIS WEBSITE

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M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

TRY THE WEBSITE AT:

https://projectsolartopia.site

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<04> VISUAL GUIDELINES

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A. THE BOOK

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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B. IDENTITY

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

SolarTopia’s mission is to promote the use of residential solar power in America. The identity consists with partial homocentric circles which represent the sun, and tilted lines which represent the solar panel on the rooftop.

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B. IDENTITY

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

Logo Anatomy

All the elements form the shape of the letter S, which is the initial of SolarTopia. The groups of circles going after each other represents a circle of efficiency, which holds the energy inside, and emits nothing. The elements of the identity will also be used as graphic elements throughout the system.


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8x

0.5x x 15x

x

8x

x

10x

10x

x

8x

x

x

x

x

x


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B. IDENTITY

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

Alternate Versions

Signature.

Signature / symbol in color.

Symbol only.

Signature in horizontal.

0.5" or 13mm

Color: PMS 632 C

Logotype only.

Minimum Size.

PMS 632 U C=60% M=0% Y=0% K=35% R=81 G=144 B=177


M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

Signature on backgrounds.

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B. IDENTITY

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

Sub-brands SolarUp! A consulting service that helps people go solar.

SolarLine A comprehensive line of solar products, instruction manuals and guides.

SolarSpot A new non-profit organization dedicated to gathering support to fight solar obstacles.

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B. IDENTITY

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

Unacceptable Usages

No stretching of

No tilting or

Don’t cast a

Don’t use 3D

the logo.

re-orientation of

shadow for the

effects on the logo.

the logo.

logo.

Don’t use random

Don’t use any other

Don’t outline the

Don’t put the logo

font or placement

color on the logo.

symbol or the

on high contrast

logotype.

texture or imagery.

for the logotype.


M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

The logo should never be put at any angle, or stretched in any way. It should never be altered in any way either. For the correct use of the logo, it should always be in solid color. There should be absolutely no 3D effect, color gradient or shadow applied to the logo. Any stretching, smudging or blurring effect to the logo should also be avoided.

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B. IDENTITY

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

“We restored the vanished ‘ball terminals’ to the lowercase, and uncharacteristically applied these gestures to the capitals as well, in order to yield a font that’s friendly without being silly, and attractive without being flashy. The result is a typeface that’s well-mannered, easy to work with, and inviting to read.” —Hoefler & Frere-Jones


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Gotham family

Archer Pro family

Gotham Bold

ArcherPro Bold

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

Gotham Medium

ArcherPro Book

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

Gotham Book ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

Gotham Light ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

Archer is a slab serif typeface designed

increase its charm. Italics are true italic

in 2001 by Tobias Frere-Jones and Jonathan

designs, with flourishes influenced by

Hoefler for use in Martha Stewart Living

calligraphy, an unusual feature for geometric

magazine. It was later released by Hoefler &

slab serif designs. As with many Hoefler &

Frere-Jones for commercial licensing. The typeface is a geometric or neo-grotesque slab serif, one with a geometric design similar to sans-serif fonts. It takes inspiration from midtwentieth century designs such as Rockwell. The face is unique for combining the geometric structure of twentieth-century European slab-serifs but imbuing the face with a domestic, less strident tone of voice. Balls were added to the upper terminals on letters such as C and G to

Frere-Jones designs, it was released in a wide range of weights from hairline to bold, reflecting its design goal as a typeface for complex magazines.


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C. TYPE CHOICES

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

Gotham Bold Archer Pro Bold

GO SOLAR SUPPORT SOLAR TO HELP REDUCE GREENHOUSE GASES.

Gotham Book

Gotham Light

Gotham is a family of widely used geometric

Since creation, Gotham has been highly visible

sans-serif digital typefaces designed by

due to its appearance in many notable places,

American type designer Tobias Frere-Jones

including the campaign material created for

in 2000. Gotham’s letterforms are inspired

Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign,

by architectural signage that achieved popularity

and 2016 federal election campaign of the

in the mid-twentieth century, and are very

Australian Labor Party. The font has also been

popular throughout New York City. Gotham has

as the cornerstone of the One World Trade

a relatively broad design with a reasonably

Center, the tower built on the site of the

high x-height and wide apertures.

former World Trade Center in New York. It is also the current font to be used in title cards for film trailers in the US.


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C. TYPE CHOICES

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

Solar homes for America. Solar homes for America.

91

Gotham Book 24 / 18 Gotham Book 18 / 18

Solar homes for America.

Gotham Book 14 / 18

Solar homes for America.

Gotham Book 12 / 18

Solar homes for America.

Gotham Book 10 / 18

Solar homes for America.

Gotham Book 8 / 18

build a solar utopia.

Archer Bold 15 / 18

build a solar utopia.

Archer Bold 14 / 18

build a solar utopia.

Archer Bold 12 / 18

build a solar utopia.

Archer Bold 11 / 18

build a solar utopia.

Archer Bold 10 / 18

build a solar utopia.

Archer Bold 8 / 18


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D. COLOR SOURCE

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

We are using the colors of the American flag to wake arouse the patriotism of the people. When the sun rises behind the flag, it lightens up the colors of it. We chose our theme color from this image, to tell people we are about America, we are about solar power. We get our power from the sun.


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E. COLOR PALETTE

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

Primary Colors

SolarTopia Blue C=48% M=12% Y=0% K=0% R=145 G=187 B=226

SolarTopia Navy PMS 300 C C=91% M=66% Y=7% K=0% R=62 G=97 B=161

SolarTopia Red PMS 178 C C=0% M=80% Y=60% K=0% R=211 G=91 B=92


M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

Secondary Colors

SolarTopia Summer PMS 290 C C=24% M=6% Y=0% K=0% R=196 G=216 B=237

SolarTopia Peach PMS 495 C C=0% M=30% Y=10% K=0% R=249 G=192 B=199

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F. PHOTO STYLE

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

The visual concept is all about natural elements like leaves (which are natural solar receivers), the sky or the ocean. Natural sources of energy are abundant. We are also using shots of happy running people, kids and animals to represent a burdenfree life and a brighter future after switching to solar. Solar construction sites are also going to appear.


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F. PHOTO STYLE

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

Solar Energy Say yes to solar, it’s the future energy, and it’s totally free and abundant.

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G. GRAPHIC ELEMENTS

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

The triangle is a representation of the rooftop.

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The circle and the half circle bare the resem-

It is also an arrow which represents moving

blance of the sun. They are used as devices to

forward. Its upper side is at the same angle as

contain images, numbers or marks.

the straight lines in the logo, and it should be facing right at most occasions.


M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

The parallel lines are at the same angle as the lines in the logo. They are evolved from the logo, and are serving a decorative purpose.

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<05> DELIVERABLES

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A. GRIDS

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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ArcherPro Bold 26 / 30

“Quote / Subtitle: Din Pro Medium 16 / 20”

SECTION HEAD: KLINIC SLAB BOLD 10 / 14

The Grid and Style Sheets illustrated on this page are those used for the layout and design of the daily documents and communications designs for SolarTopia and its subbrands SolarUp!, SolarLine and SolarSpot. This is a 6 column, 6 row grid with 1p6 pica gutters—a common grid for a 8x10 in magazine sized page. At right are several examples of the most common alternate grids, formats and style sheet arrangements. This body copy is set with Gotham Light 8 / 12. Please contact Corporate Communications if you have any question regarding typographic style sheets or grid arrangements for different formats.


M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

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Standard Grids and style Sheets

Letter sized document (Left Edge Binding) 6 Column 1p6 gutter / 6 Row 1p gutter (Not To Scale)

Tabloid sized poster 6 Column 1p gutter / 7 Row 1p gutter (Not To Scale)


D. BRAND POSTERS

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B. STATIONERY SET

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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C. EVENT

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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C. EVENT

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

_Solar Powered _Free Wifi _Free Hot Coffee _Grid Independent


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C. EVENT

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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C. EVENT

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

Social Media page

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E. EVENT POSTERS

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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F. ADVERTISING

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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G. T-SHIRTS

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

A good t-shirt always carries out the good team spirit. For men, SolarTopia has a simple white or red Tee with “Say Yay to solar” covering the front and the logo on the back. For ladies, it’s white and blue with the words on the back and logo on the front.


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G. T†SHIRTS

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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H. MOBILE APP

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

SolarApp! The app is the most important element under the SolarUp! brand, we call it “SolarApp!”. With our new app, you can check out the latest news updates on your favorite solar topics, you can find out what’s new on the SolarLine shelves, and most importantly, you can use our calculator to get an rough idea about the cost for going solar for your home. All these can happen at the comfort of your own home, or anywhere for that matter.

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H. MOBILE APP

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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H. MOBILE APP

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

SolarApp!

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S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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H. MOBILE APP

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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Mockups


H. MOBILE APP

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

TRY THE APP AT:

https://invis.io/K7AS236VN

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I. CATALOG

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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J. BRAND WEBSITE

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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TRY THE WEBSITE AT:

https://solartopia.site


K. PRODUCT DESIGNS

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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L. RETAIL SETTING

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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M. PACKAGING

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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M. PACKAGING

S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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S O L A R TO P I A : B U I L D A S O L A R U TO P I A

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M FA G R A P H I C D E S I G N T H E S I S P R O J E C T

We still have a long way to go convincing America to go solar, but more and more people are joining us. Bottom line is, maybe people don’t care about the environment, maybe some believe in alternative facts, but people do live with more comfort and less worries about utility bills after going solar. It’s a win-win choice.

Go solar, America!

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[Colophon]

COURSES

GR 810 01 _Thesis 1 - Concept GR 830 02_Thesis 2 - Exploration GR 850 01 _Thesis 3 - Refinement

INSTRUCTORS

Phillip Hamlett, Anthony Jagoda, Wioleta Kaminska

SEMESTERS

Spring_ 2016 – Spring_ 2017

TYPEFACES

Archer Pro Gotham

BR AND WEBSITE

solar topia.site

THESIS WEBSITE

projectsolar topia.site

EMAIL

ligionligion@gmail.com

PERSONAL WEBSITE

jimmylidesign.com



S O L A R TO P I A . S I T E

P R O J E C T S O L A R TO P I A . S I T E


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